Week 6

This past week during lab we got to experiment with the Knex a second time. We were asked to build a bridge that we thought had the best cost to weight ratio. Kelsey and I designed separate bridges. I decided that I was going to try and create a simple design with the smallest length of members to lower cost. I did not have time to test my bridge during class but I did bring my bridge home to experiment and fix it. This week I have been working on a new design that will lower cost but maintain strength.

My opinions about the differences between the WPBD program and Knex have not changed. However, I see many differences between working with and designing a real bridge and a Knex bridge.   Knex limit the types of beams, members and gussets you can use. When building a real bridge a person can use any types of beams, gussets and members they want, in any shape or color. Plastics also react and bend differently than steel which is the most common material used in bridge construction. The differences between the materials also determine how they will react to outside forces like inclement weather and wind gusts. Also when someone isemplyed to design a bridge they are often given a time contraint I feel these are the greatest  and most important differences.